Reports from organizations

In the last half of their first work session, the delegates heard from a number of organizations within the Diocese. They also heard from representatives of the Armenian Church in Canada and the Armenain Prelacy.

CLERGY CONFERENCE

First up was a discussion on the clergy conference presented by Fr. Daniel Findikyan, who said the clergy reflected on the theme of the year: "Youth: Carrying the Flame." He said the Primate reflected that the flame is symbolic of the hope Christ brings into our lives.

The clergy also heard from two clergymen from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, who are also attending the Assembly. Fr. Hovakim Manukian spoke of his work in ecumenical efforts and Fr. Yessai Artenian discussed his ministry to the 115,000 deaf and disabled people in Armenia.

"He captivated the clergy when he demonstrated how, during the Divine Liturgy, he provides translation into sign language," Fr. Findikyan said. The clergy were so moved they raised $4,000 to benefit his ministry. "We feel blessed to see such gracious and competent clergy at the forefront of the church in our Motherland."

Delegates asked if the clergy discussed the language of the badarak during their conference and were told it was not on the agenda.

ST. NERSESS SEMINARY

Fr. Findikyan, dean of St. Nersess Seminary, was then joined by Seminary Board Member Raffy Hovanessian, to present a report on the Seminary's actions.

After telling delegates that the Primate recently ordained the 36th St. Nersess graduate into the holy priesthood, Fr. Findikyan said that this year there are 12 students at the Seminary, twice as many as last year. That number includes eight full-time students.

On May 22 the Seminary will hold graduate three seminarians. The public is invited to the ceremonies.

Fr. Findikyan outlined the Seminary's plans to hire two priests, part-time, to recruit new seminarians. One in the East Coast and one in the West Coast.

"Recruit ment of qualified students is a primary effort of the Seminary," he said, noting that this year five people (three men, two women) have applied for the fall 2005 semester.

The Seminary is also developing its own master's program, so it will no longer have to offer a joint degree with St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary. This program will include not only Armenian studies but youth ministry classes, parish administration studies, public relations training, and classes in preaching.

"We'll ask what is needed in your parish. St. Nersess has to be able to train our candidates to meet these requirements. Our own master's program will allow us to do just that," Fr. Findikyan said.

FUND FOR ARMENIAN RELIEF

During a discussion on the success of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), its executive director, Garnik Nanagoulian, urged the delegates to help educate parishioners about the efforts of FAR.

"FAR is your organization. For 16 years the organization has been guided and inspired by the values of the Armenian Church," he said, noting that FAR has served 10 million Armenians and that no family in the Republic of Armenia has not been helped directly or indirectly by FAR.

"We are all proud to be Armenian. As Armenians we are family. And as a family we have a duty to help those struggling in the Homeland," Nanagoulian said. "It is a duty and a choice; a choice you make for people you love."

ARMENIAN CHURCH ENDOWMENT FUND

Gregory Zorthian, the treasurer of the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF), and its vice chairman, Alex Dadourian, showed the delegates that the principle invested in the fund has grown from $35.8 million in 1998 to $57.4 million in 2004.

Last year more than $2.9 million was distributed to the Diocese, parishes, and various Armenian organizations.

"ACEF isn't for a privileged few. ACEF is to serve everyone," Dadourian said. "ACEF is something individuals in the parish should be made aware of. We're an investment bank, that's what we are. Our purpose is to bring everyone the highest return and we really try very, very hard. We really do try to take care of your money and we try to invest your money properly."

Delegates asked that ACEF provide them with more detailed statements to better educate their parishioners about the benefits of creating endowments with ACEF. They also urged the board to make sure they do not invest in any companies doing business in Azerbaijan or if they do, to use their weight as investors to try and open up that nation.

Posted by Jake at April 28, 2005 07:08 PM